Russian Accents

Posted on Jan 5, 2013

DZFE and WFMT bring you a unique radio documentary, showcasing the piano music of Sergei Rachmaninoff and Igor Stravinsky, as recorded in live performances by Alexander Toradze and members of the Toradze Piano Studio — RUSSIAN ACCENTS (Sun 1000, Wed 1100).

Alec Baldwin will be your host, with commentary by Stravinsky himself, Alexander Toradze, Valery Gergiev and Joseph Horowitz, as they explore the life and music of two master Russian composers both of whom were also important pianists —and both of whom emigrated to the United States. In addition to live performances by Toradze and members of the Toradze Piano Studio, the program includes piano recordings by Rachmaninoff and Stravinsky. Music featured on the series ranges from favorites such as Rachmaninoff’s Third Piano Concerto and Stravinsky’s The Rite of Spring (in a two-piano version by the composer), to such rarities as Rachmaninoff’s First Piano Sonata and Stravinsky’s Concerto for Two Solo Pianos.

Among the many novel features of the program are observations (with musical examples) about the relationship between Rachmaninoff’s First Symphony and his valedictory Symphonic Dances; and a comparison (with music examples) of Stravinsky’s score for his Piano Sonata with a revised score prepared by his son Soulema.

The performers, mainly Russian and Georgian, are pianists long associated with this repertoire, including little-heard two-piano works. And all the music played is live and unedited.